A network perspective on tourism waste management: An evolutionary game analysis of stakeholders' participation in the Third Pole region

There is a striking absence of complex network models and extensive analysis of behavioral factors in the field of waste management research. Moreover, research on effective collaboration among different stakeholders in tourism waste management in the Third Pole region is currently lacking, despite the increasing involvement of various groups. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the cooperative relationship between multiple stakeholders in tourism waste management using the Lulang Scenic Area as a case study. A field investigation and complex network evolutionary game simulation were used to identify the cooperation dynamics between multiple stakeholders. The results indicate the following. (1) The stakeholder network characterized by small-world dynamics has efficient information diffusion and cooperation. (2) A threshold value for positive externalities and returns on investment exists, beyond which stakeholders are more inclined to participate in sustainable waste management. (3) Incentives below the threshold attract direct stakeholders in waste generation and management, whereas incentives above it draws in a broader range of stakeholders, primarily indirect stakeholders. (4) A critical mass of cooperative stakeholders tends to create a demonstration effect that encourages additional participation, supporting the growth of cooperative networks in tourism waste management. This paper innovatively shows the potential of a cooperation strategy between multiple stakeholders strengthened by appropriate incentives.